United States History Early American Government (1792-1820)

Early American Government (1792-1820) ● The early period of American government was a time when things that were left unclear in the Constitution began to be worked out. ● George Washington was the 1st president o GW said that the foreign policy of the US should be isolationism – that the US should stay out of the affairs of Europe (remain neutral) and concentrate on its own problems. o After two terms (8 years), GW stepped down from the presidency, even though he could have run as many times as he wanted. His action created a tradition that every president followed until FDR in 1940. o A National Bank was created to help the US economy. ● Also important during this time was the fight between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, who were Washington’s closest advisors. Jefferson was a strict constructionist. He believed that the words of the Constitution should be followed very strictly (closely), and feared a government that was too strong. Hamilton was a loose constructionist. He thought the Constitution should be more flexible and believed in a strong government. o One example of their disagreement was the creation of the National Bank; Hamilton wanted it and Jefferson didn’t (since it’s not mentioned in the Constitution). Hamilton won that fight, thus the National Bank was created. ● The fight between Hamilton and Jefferson caused the creation of the first political parties. ● Alexander Hamilton- First Secretary of Treasury of the U.S. o Proposed a national bank to improve the economic position of the U.S. government. o Argued that the government has the power to create a National Bank based on the elastic clause of the Constitution. o Established a sound financial plan for the new nation. o Devised a plan to pay off U.S. debt. o Urged Congress to pass a protective tariff (tax on foreign goods) to encourage the growth of U.S. manufacturing. o Believed the government should exercise all powers necessary and proper to meet its responsibilities (loose interpretation of the Constitution). Thomas Jefferson● Opposed Hamilton’s plan to create a national bank because the plan depended on a loose interpretation of the Constitution. ● Believed in strict interpretation of the Constitution (you have to follow the Constitution exactly as it is written). ● Sought to avoid involvement in European affairs (isolationist). ● Disagreement between Hamilton and Jefferson over the interpretation of the Constitution led to the development of the political party system. ● Authorized the Lewis and Clark expedition in order to explore a route to the Pacific Ocean (helped lead to westward expansion). ● Made the Louisiana Purchase while President of the U.S. Louisiana Purchase o In deciding to purchase the Louisiana Territory, Jefferson had to overcome the problem of contradicting his belief in a strict interpretation of the Constitution. o He used the Elastic Clause and implied powers to make the purchase. o The purchase was made because he was worried about a strong French and Spanish presence and wanted American control of New Orleans which had a valuable port. o Secured U.S. control of the Mississippi River. o Farmers needed a water route to help ship their products to market. o Farmers in the Ohio River Valley gained greatest economic benefit as a result of the purchase. o Focused the U.S. on westward expansion. Structure of the Federal Government: ● Legislative Brancho AKA Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) Group of representatives from each state that propose, write, vote on laws, approve treaties. ● Executive Brancho The President of the U.S. and his cabinet. o Chief Legislator ▪ Ask executive department staff to propose and support legislation. o Chief Executive ▪ The highest military official (Commander & Chief). o Chief Diplomat ▪ President meets and negotiates with other foreign rulers. Ex) Wilson at the Treaty of Versailles, Regan meets with Gorbachev, Jimmy Carter negotiates Camp David Accords. o From time to time, the President must inform Congress and the nation about the state of the Union (condition of the country). ● Judicial Branch o Federal Courts and Supreme Court. o Marbury v. Madison (1803) ▪ Heard under Chief Justice John Marshall ▪ Established judicial review ▪ Strengthened the Judiciary branch (Supreme Court) of the U.S. ▪ First time a Federal law was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court ● Electoral College The President of the U.S. is elected by winning electoral votes from each state, not a popular vote. The number of electoral votes a state receives is based on the size of its population. o records population data to determine the number of electoral college votes from each state, as well as the number of members in the House of Representatives. o Some presidential candidates skip campaigning in low population states. o The winner of the popular vote can lose the election (happened in 1876 and 2000). o This indicates that the authors of the original Constitution did not completely trust the common voter to make decisions. o Ratification of a constitutional amendment is the only way to eliminate the Electoral College.